Lead Level Designer

Crystal Dynamics is constantly seeking the best gaming talent worldwide to add to our 30-plus year legacy of game development creating new and iconic franchises. We are committed to making great games with great people and living the dream while doing it.

Benefits for our regular full-time positions include, but are not limited to, a competitive regional salary, 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options, professional development reimbursement, flexible hybrid on-site/off-site work opportunities, 12 company paid holidays, plus additional paid days in December when the studio is closed for holiday break, and the ability to accrue additional paid time-off.

Join us and shape the future of an amazing studio culture committed to creating award-winning franchises like Tomb Raider, the next Perfect Dark, and more!

At Crystal Dynamics, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the gaming world. As a Lead Level Designer, you will be at the forefront of this mission, blending artistry and technical skill to create immersive game environments. Your role is pivotal in crafting levels that not only challenge and entertain but also tell a compelling story, enhancing the overall player experience.

As a Lead Level Designer, you will:

• Lead the team in creating fun and engaging levels that blend gameplay with storytelling, while celebrating the game’s core gameplay.
• Engage in meaningful dialogues with fellow designers and leadership to ensure levels follow a proper player ramp-up and pacing guided by a Rational Level Design (RLD).
• Work closely with Art and Narrative teams to bring to life levels that offer a holistic experience across disciplines.
• Collaborate with other design departments, keeping them informed about how the levels are leveraging their systems.
• Adjust and hone level layouts, always bearing in mind the project's timelines and technical boundaries.
• Ensure comprehensive documentation, providing a clear guide for the team.

To be considered for this role, we require the following:

• Extensive experience as a Senior or Lead Level Designer in the video game industry.
• A robust portfolio showcasing expertise in level design, particularly in AAA titles.
• Mastery of game design tools, software, and real-time game engines.
• Strong grasp of game design principles, especially in relation to player experience and engagement.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, capable of inspiring and guiding a team.
• Passion for creating innovative, engaging, and memorable player experiences.

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Experience in designing levels for AAA (ideally FPS, Third person shooters, and/or Action-Adventure) games on PC/Console platforms.
• Prior experience in leading a team of level designers.
• Extensive experience in Unreal Engine.

It'll be a bonus if you also have:

• A track record of shipping multiple high-profile AAA titles.
• Active engagement in the gaming community or contributions to industry events.

The pay range for this role includes the annual base salary, not including bonus and the generous benefits package that Crystal Dynamics provides all full-time employees. Individual compensation is determined by work location within our approved states or regions, as well as additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about total compensation.

Not sure if you are qualified? We hope that you will still choose to apply so we may review your application!

Crystal Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to identifying and implementing positive and persistent measures to ensure equal opportunity in the recruitment, hiring, development, training, promotion and compensation of a diverse team employee group. This includes persons of different race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding, genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, political affiliation, age, veteran status, uniform service member status, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship, as well as any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

By submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand Crystal Dynamics’s Privacy Notice available at https://www.crystald.com/legal/privacy/.